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Bill would limit campaigns

SANTA FE ó Less than a month after taking office, state Rep. Bill McCamley has introduced a long-shot bill that would restrict state election campaigns to 90 days.

McCamley, D-Mesilla Park, said New Mexicoís elections are starting to mirror those for federal office in that they are too long and so expensive that candidates spend most of their time raising money.

ìItís getting ludicrous,î said McCamley, 34, who ran for Congress and the state Public Regulation Commission before winning election to the Legislature last fall.

He cited cases in which legislative candidates from Roswell districts advertised on Albuquerque television. In one of those campaigns last year, former state senator Tim Jennings spent almost $399,000 in an unsuccessful attempt to retain the seat he had held for 33 years.

McCamleyís bill, almost certain to face opposition on free speech grounds, would prohibit candidates and campaign committees from spending money for any political purpose until 90 days before a primary, general or statewide special election in which they are participating.

In addition, candidates and their campaign committees could not accept any contribution until 90 days before elections.

His proposal, House Bill 68, would become effective after the November election of 2014.

McCamley spent about $23,500 to win his race last year for the state House of Representatives. His District 33 is contained within Dona Ana County.

But, he said, he spent $400,000 in his failed 2008 primary race for Congress in New Mexicoís southern district.

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Raising money dominated his time, he said.

McCamley said many state elections are trending the same way, thereby shortchanging the people.

His race for the state Public Regulation Commission was publicly funded, creating an opportunity to focus on constituents and issues rather than raising money, he said.

When candidates are under financial pressure during a long campaign, the circle of people that has influence over them becomes a small one, McCamley said.